A 1937 Talbot-Lago 150-C-SS Teardrop Coupe just sold for U.S. $13,425,000 at an auction, becoming simultaneously the vintage brand’s most expensive vehicle ever and the most expensive French car ever sold at an auction.
The model is primarily famous thanks to a body coachbuilt by Figoni et Falaschi. That company only produced between 10 and 12 units in total (reports vary), putting only two cars in an all-aluminum body known as Modéle New York.
This example with the chassis number 90107 is also unique thanks to being the only aluminum 150-C-SS Teardrop Coupe to have retained its original body in full. Owners used to paint it different colors, but that was it.
The car had spent most of its 85-year long life in California, having stayed in several famous collections and participated in various thematic shows and events. It even won seven show awards.
Power for the venerable exotic comes from a four-liter inline-six engine mated to a four-speed pre-selective transmission for 140 PS (138 hp / 103 kW). To switch gears, the driver must move the gear lever into position first and floor the clutch pedal second – this is the only correct way.